Shirley VanLiere

Shirley VanLiere, age 89, of Cocoa, Florida & Bear Lake, Michigan entered the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 8, 2025. She was the beloved wife of the late Rev. James VanLiere, with whom she shared 60 wonderful years of marriage.
Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Maynard and May DeYoung, Shirley graduated from Creston High School. She faithfully served as a missionary with Continental Baptist Mission, and alongside her husband, helped plant two churches: Heritage Baptist Church of Manistee, MI, and Heritage Baptist Church of Grayling, MI. Shirley was also deeply committed to Christian Women's Clubs and served passionately in women's and children's ministries within her church communities. She had a very warm and inviting personality and made all feel welcome.
Shirley was an extremely talented seamstress and quilter. She loved to garden and because she was Dutch, she loved to sweep outside! Shirley walked every day and talked all along the way to everyone she met. She loved a good garage sale just to talk to and meet people. She will be remembered and missed because of her outgoing personality and friendly smile.
Shirley is survived by her sisters, Carol Dykstra and Marcia DeYoung; her daughters, Jan VanLiere (Dennis Fetters), Sandy Tomaszewski, and Vicki (Jeff) Bettig; and her grandchildren, Jill (Josh) Baker, Travis (Jessi) Tomaszewski, Holly (Zak) White, Alexi Bettig, and Lynsey Bettig. She was also blessed with eight great-grandchildren: Jack, Jonas, Jett, Hudson, Weber, Ada, Jude, and Archer, along with many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her son-in-law, Don Tomaszewski.
A Celebration of Life For Shirley VanLiere will be held Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Tabernacle Church – 77 Hancock Street in Manistee with Pastor George Butler officiating. A luncheon will follow. Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery in Bear Lake.
Memorials in Shirley's name may be directed to Lake Ann Camp, P.O. Box 109, Lake Ann, MI 49650
The Oak Grove Funeral Home of Manistee is honored to assist with funeral arrangements.